In May 2024, Corinne came to Hands of The Carpenter (Hands) seeking help with her aging 2006 Ford Freestyle. A single mom of two sons, Corinne was navigating life’s challenges, including a divorce, financial struggles, and the rising costs of living. Despite working hard to improve her situation, including securing a better-paying job as an assistant manager in affordable housing, Corinne faced significant hurdles. High healthcare costs and the expense of commuting from Longmont to Boulder left her stretched thin.
After finding Hands online, Corinne applied and was approved for vehicle repairs and then the Lift UP program- a three-year repair and maintenance plan at Hands. “The peace of mind this program gives is incredible,” she shared.
In September, Corinne returned to Hands when her vehicle showed signs of a failing transmission. While waiting for a replacement vehicle, she relocated to Boulder, reducing her commute, and began a new role as a supportive case manager at AllRoads. Though public transportation became her temporary solution, the long commutes were taxing, especially as her son commuted to school in Longmont. One day, when his bus broke down, Corinne recalls feeling, “It is impossible to do life without your own car.”
Her perseverance paid off. On October 30, 2024, Corinne was approved for financing through Colorado Credit Union and received a 2008 Honda CR-V. The first weekend with her new car was spent in Estes Park, where she asked her son, “What can we do now that we wouldn’t without this car?” He replied with a laugh, “Literally anything.”
